DMS, please don't take this the wrong way, your conclusion is that "I love this headphone, I bought this headphone I'm gonna be keeping this headphone", yet on the Headphone show's 'The Giant Headphone Tier List' video you rank this headphone as 'how did it happen', now I genuinely hold no allegiance to no particular headphone, I have many on rotation and my favourite can change sometimes depending on my mood, amp/dac combo of the day etc, so I'm not here to wave the Grado flag, but I do think it undeserving of it's ranking purely based on this video you made, it just doesn't add up.
Yellow gel but yeah. Now he just needs a half stop more exposure for his 'key' light so his face stands out just a touch more. The video work though it's certainly more than good enough though for what he's doing
Now that's how to do measurement reviews, really nice format. The different extension levels whilst the headphone was lying on the table were distracting as heck though haha.
The new review style is fantastic. Glad to hear that the new Grado X series is pretty positive, though that cable twist would drive me nuts. Fortunately none of mine have a twist that bad, and I take care not to get them twisted up.
Ive been using my 125X religiously for the last 3 weeks and the cable does loosen up and unkinks significantly (as did the vacuum E series, which by now is so nice). Zeos briefly mentioned this years ago in a Grado review about how the pads need to be broken in, and thats the thing with Grados: ear pads, headband, cord all get a lot better with use.
So i watched this video, saw this comment and bought myself a pair of these and I can confirm, they had a cable twist when i got them and after a few weeks it is almost completley gone. I love these and i would highly reccomend them.
Wow! What a substantial step up in production (apart from the small things that still need to be sorted out) and work for this review. It was absolutely worth the effort, DMS. I really liked it. Keep it up!
huge fan of SR325x, but the comfort of the stock pads is atrocious, luckily there's ton of aftermarket and custom options, I went for nyczaj audio EP01 earpads with memory foam inserts and they feel fantastic and don't distort the sound at all. I've also modded them with aluminum gimbals and thick leather headband, also from nyczaj audio. they're my favourite daily driver since then.
Im so glad you gave the S Cushion its due. A lot of people throw the big cup G Cushions on Grados and I used to, until i realized the S Cushions were tighter, more detailed, a little narrower but a little warmer. The G pads offer a tremendous spacious experience tho, but at the expense of unpleasant sharpness compared to the S. And aftermarket Yaxi Pads are a BIG no, theyre horrible with Grados. The stock S Cushion, once you get used to the sound on your ear, is the best. Josh Valour also pointed that out I think too
Got my 325 X a week ago Was money well spent All audio gear is subject To t trade offs and the engineers Have to decide were to cut corners To meet a price point And grado did a great job In. On where to cut corners And bring us the best sound for the price
The PITA cable on my SR80es has lasted 9 years and counting. That's a pretty good run in my home studio. Currently waiting for Aazon to bring replacements for my worn out pads - should be here today. They still sound better than anything else I have. Around $100 is my usual price point for headphones, and I have AT, AKG, SONY, Samson, Senheiser., Chinese no-name,... For price, sound, and and durability, Grados have been the best. If I were to upgrade to the $300 range, I would definitely go with Grado.
Pulled the trigger on these early. Great headphones to take for a walk, as they sound fine off an iPhone dongle. Sound profile is very rough, in a nice way. If I want to sit down and have a detailed listening experience, I would reach for a 6xx over this, but this headphone makes random tracks sound exciting in a way the 6xx doesn't. Perfect contrast for a headphone like that, as it offer very a different listening experience with similar technical performance.
There is a company that actually sells a Grado headband improvement. It's like 10.00 and covers the entire top of the headband. It has velcro to keep it connected to the Grado headband. Works great and after 6 years never had to adjust it.
@@DMS3TV I bought the headband mod in 2014 and they are now out of business. There are other more comfortable options now but they are more expensive. Try looking up Grado mods for headbands. There is one that is cushioned leather that attaches with magnets. Looks cool enough. At the time I just wanted the top of my head to stop hurting so I paid the 10 dollars and it worked. Still in use today.
This was an excellent video bro. I appreciate how in-depth you went with everything even though it took up more time. I also loved your frequency response comparison section and thought it was very thorough in showing pad differences and especially comparing other reviewers' target curves. Very good direction imo.
Best review iv seen from you . What sealed the deal was the H.O.G hands over graph lol perfect way to visualise the voice and really cemented it as a must buy for me with the s pads I think but I'll buy them all just incase my intuition is wrong thanks dude appreciate the work you do very technical but not snobby perfect in my opinion
Best review I've heard in a long time. Thank you. Questions...have you tried the Grado L-cushion pads?And do these headphones differ significantly from the Grado 325e?
I’ve had the Grado sr225e and they’re my favorite headphone by far. I recently got the 325x and I’m honestly disappointed. They have more bass, but it ruins the clarity on acoustic songs compared to the 225e. The thin pads, narrow leather headband, and super heavy metal ear-cups make it very uncomfortable. I thought I’d love the new cable but surprisingly still prefer the original. I’ve tried them with the larger G-pads too and it definitely makes soundstage better, but I still find the 225e more enjoyable. I’m going to continue using them, but will probably return them to Grado within a few days.
There's something special about the 225e's. I had a difficult time upgrading them. All headphones I tried (in $2000 range) could not be considered as direct upgrades. The ones I find acceptable are the followings: the rs2e, it retains the transparency, gives a richer mid, but loses the lushness at the treble. The Grado Hemp is a great complement headphone to the 225e. Think about moving 225e's vibe to the bass and mid range. These cans bring an energetic, liquid musical experience. The Kennerton Gjallarhorn GH50 JM Edition is like an end-game mature version of the 225e's. Feels quite different, much larger sound stage, much better details, top-grade center image, beautiful upper mids, not as effortless, but you will enjoy them if you love the 225e's.
@@JC-nj3cs thank you for the suggestions. I’m considering the rs2e now. I think I’d like the wood cups much better than the heavy metal ones. At 7:17 DMS said that the 325x with the G-pads is better than the Hemp, so I’m hesitant of that headphone now. I dislike the 325x because it loses the mid range shine and sounds too dark compared to the 225e. So I think the Hemp will also have the same issue to me. I’ve never heard of the Kennerton GH 50. I’ll look into those. What do you recommend under about $800 that can beat or complement the 225e?
@@wrliggin2 I listened to the 325x too along side with rs2e and hemp. To me the 325x has too much mid-bass boosts and too little upper-mids. rs2e was more transparent and detailed then hemp for sure. And hemp was a bit more detailed than 325x. For modern pop music I felt hemp easily won that competition. Music just flow better. Everything sounds more emotional, energetic, and liquid. Let me put it this way, hemp is putting the grado treble energy into the mid and bass. The treble is still acceptable, at least to 325x. But if you are after that treble energy, then rs2e is the go. Under $800 this is really a tough job. I have a pair of rs1e's, which is $700, but a totally different beast to the 225e's. It doesn't complement the 225e's, but rather a new sound signature that some may love and some may hate. If I were you, I'd also try the Hifiman Sundara or Ananda. The GH50 JM edition is really great if you wish to pay, it's more 225e-like than my ADX5000.
@@wrliggin2 Just want to let you know, I couldn't resist and bought a pair of Grado Hemp. I've done some pad swapping and I have to say they are a true upgrade to sr225e's. With stock pads, its sound right out of my laptop almost rivals my well driven HD650 (>$3000 gears). While it's body is still a little lighter and is a little less resolving, the Hemp is faster and more energetic. With Geekria L pads, the Hemp feels as airy as the 225e's, with a little more detail at the top end and upper mids. Bottom end and midrange are a bit fuller. The 225e's is still feather-like and smooth, but the Hemp is like a grown up version. With these pads, I like them better than the rs2e's. The rs2e's are young, bright, and dynamic, but less emotional.
@@JC-nj3cs hey thanks for letting me know! I just saw your previous comment too. “Feather-like” is the perfect description of the 225e. Both in weight and sound signature. That’s why I love them so much and have been let down by other headphones. I also broke down and bought a pair of Hemps. They’ll be here in a few days and I’ll let you know what I think. I’m guessing that I’ll like them more and return the 325x. I’ll probably order a pair of the geekria L pads you recommended too. I don’t like the flat F cushions at all. Have you ever heard of boiling Grado pads to make them more comfortable and soft? It sound crazy but it seems to be common. I love the L pads on my 225e now, but it’a taken years for them to soften up. I’m considering getting the Sundara but might try a cheaper hifiman like the 5xx. I’ve heard planar briefly in a store once, but have never owned a planar headphone. Do you think Sundara is best under $400? Last thing lol. I want to try a tube amp and I’m considering the Little Dot Mk2. Have you tried that or do you recommend another tube amp under around $150? I don’t want to invest much into amps because I already have an ifi hip dac that’s great. I just want to hear the “tube sound.” Thanks again for your insight. It’s always great finding knowledgeable people to teach me more about this hobby.
I ended up losing my Grado SR-325e and I've been weighing my options. Always nice to see Grado stuff. Grado's also incredibly simple to fix. I've re-soldered/replaced the cable on my SR-80i and SR-125i before. They don't have a complicated build, all the parts are simple, and there's actually a lot of space to get in there. They're like the AK-47 of headphones.
I got a pair on the say so of this video. Dude, you were bang on. As for comfort I do not have any issues at all. I only use headphones indoors for a limited time ( 2hrs max but mostly less) but the time spent wearing them was fine, though I did buy some pads as I had heard others complain about the stock pads. But haven't felt the need to use them....yet! Great review, many thanks!
Great review. Really nice analysis of frequency spectrum with different pads. I have old 325is headphones with G style pads and this helps explain why they sound some dramatically different than the stock pads they replaced.
Sorry I'm seeing this so long after it coming out but I just want to say that this new style of review was very interesting and informative, I very much enjoyed it. Thank you...
I have these and I love the sound, especially against the 125x, which can be shrill to the point of pain-inducing. I had to get a couple of paint pens to reapply the silver paint that rubs off the embossed text after a month or so.
I have the 325X and I could not wear it for more than an hour as my ears would hurt so much. It is also a very heavy headphone in the bunch comparing to the other Grado line. I do find it enjoyable watching movies or listening to casual music but I prefer the RS1X as it's lighter, and more dynamic than the 325X. For me, the 325X seems more darker and higher frequencies are its weakness. But overall, it may be a decent entry level Grado that someone is just getting into open back headphones.
Most interesting for me are brand new RS1x & RS2x, wood and hemp mixed and looking good, if I knew sooner that they exist probably would have waited but now I own RS1e 😅
A lot of people have. TLDR ; they have amazing sound for the price, classic ‘Grado’ sound signature, and the same build quality as most Grado headphones. You might want to swap the pads for the larger ´G Cushion’ pads (can find them on Amazon for cheap). If you’re short on cash and want a great value headphone, they’re a fantastic choice
Great review, engaging, clear, structured, subjectivist AND objective analysis of FR. Great feel for the gear AND for the intended target listeners. A natural performance. Total success. Loved it.
I have the same twisted cable issue with my. PS500e, the struggle is real. Also, don't waste your time with anything less than G-pads, for both comfort and sound (fakes Gs won't help either).
Pads really do change the tuning the Beautiful Audio’s Large hybrid pads which would be their take on a G pad. In addition to comfort presents a very wide sound stage. The small hybrid pad delivers a more focused sound presentation but far more comfortable and a larger sound stage then then stock F pads. I find both pads tuning highly preferable to the stock sound.
Fantastic review, so much detail. I hate the stock F pads, even though I loved the way they sounded straight out of the box. I was on the verge of sending them back and stick with my Sundaras. But I decided to give them one more go and try the G pads. With the bigger sound stage and (I felt) better detail, I found the Grados really came alive for me. I did end up finding them a little too sibilant at times, so I got the Geekria equivalents and they have turned out to be my ideal solution. I love the sound with these pads. They're not quite as deep, just touching my ears in a couple of places, but I find them very comfortable, the sound stage feels just as big and they reduce the sibilance, whilst the bass is just where I like it. I tried the F pads again after getting these and really didn't like the sound anywhere near as much. I guess one advantage/disadvantage with Grados is that you can alter them to something you like, even if it means ending up with a different sounding product than was intended. The cable is still a pain in the arse, though.
they get even better with nyczaj audio EP01 pads, they have the same effect on the sound as you described with Geekria G-pads, but thanks to memory foam the comfort is through the roof. tried nearly a dozen different pads and these win so far.
Great review I really like this style of video. I purchased the Hemps and I love them so much. My GF liked them so much that she wanted a pair of grado's as well and she is not into headphones or HiFi for that matter. She did not like the price of the Hemps and liked the black rather than the metal so she got herself the sr-225x. I have hard time on some of the tracks to tell the two apart however on some songs the hemp is just so much better. But looking at price to performance she got herself quite the bargain. Specially because she got a discount as well from the dealer as compensation for a small mistake they made. On a side note I prefer the old cable the braided one is even more annoying hopefully it softens up a bit over time.
Very good review. The only other thing I'd like to know is know how these compare to the Hemp, SR325e, and SR225x and below. It looks like the entire X lineup has the same new driver also used in the Hemp. Do you think that the SR60x's through SR225x are really close to the SR325x? It appears Grado only makes very minor tweaks as you move up the lineup but the cost goes up a lot.
I always love your reviews and the new look is cool. No interest in Grados given their insistence on building an uncomfortable can and that silly non-detachable cable. Still I want one Grado for my collection so is this the one in your opinion or do I go with the Hemp?
I’ve got the hemps and love them. My only other experience with Grados was with my OG sr60 from about 15 years ago now, which coincidentally enough was my first foray into ‘audiophile’ gear. That said, I’m still thinking of purchasing these based off of DMS’ review alone tho honestly! You end up getting one of these or not quite yet or did ya go a different route?
@@davidcoons89 I have been holding off and thinking and I just got a coupon to get these for free so now my decision is made. I was heavily leaning towards the hemps but for free vs. $469 I think I will start with these and see how it goes. Thanks for telling me about the hemp. It confirmed my reseach
@@jamesthoma4927 nice dude that’s absolutely awesome..I actually ended up getting the SR325x kinda based on all the online hype etc. I’m very glad I did as I enjoy both the hemp and the 325’s! Happy listening with your awesome new headphones 🎶🎶
I have the Grado Hemp. Best headphones I've ever owned. However, I appreciate your review of the 325x. I'm very curious how they would sound compared to the Hemp but I'm always going to keep them no matter what. For pads, I use both the G-pads and the L-pads, which were the default pads for the 325's for years. It sits nicely between the larger G-pads and the thin F-pads/S-pads. And yes, these Grados are not for objectionists. You really have to love its sound signature and it's a fantastic one. No complaints really.
Biggest mistake I made and bought those big G pads what you also have. The whole sounds went very tinny and no body what so ever. I have original 325 so I don't have those new s pads. Because how close the driver is to your ear, the better the sound comes. But this is for original 325 (not e/i/x). Btw prestige series doesn't really benefit amping.
That cable issue is a dealbreaker IMO. I prefer unbraided cables after the split, and braided before; using braided all the way up almost never works out. I'd be fine with it on a lower end model but it's just inexcusable for something in this price bracket.
Lol that cable still being attached... For that price is crazy. Also, "any other cable would alter the sound" okay let me do that lol. I'm not so sure about cables changing sound, but seriously if cables do change sound (imo they don't) its about the materials.
Even more laughable is the fact that both cables may be glued & crimped up to 90° angled against each other. When built on mondays maybe one full twist more one side I could imagine. Simply unbelievable kind of sloppiness in that shop. They call it Brooklyn lifesytle.
You did a fantastic job with this video. From your description, it sounds like it will be similar to my Grado RS2e. I also have the 325e. Looking forward to getting the 325X so I can compare!
Is the soundstage really that much wider compared to previous generations of Grado SR-325? For example, I have the SR-325e and, with stock pads, I would not say it's a very wide headphone... So is it mainly the pads you're using that are making the SR-325x seem wide or does the SR-325x just have a naturally wider sound than the SR-325e?
I honestly haven’t looked at this sets rated impedance and sensitivity but I gather that virtually any amp can sufficiently power them, including your mobile devices if volume is your primary criterion. You will most definitely benefit from even a cheap dongle DAC such as Apple’s own 3.5 to lightning adapter (or comparable android usb-c dongle DAC), and might find the volume too attenuated depending on your desired listening levels. That’s when using a more powerful amp than these may start showing more benefits and be more appropriate for one’s use case in most situations (having more headroom in an amp is always a good thing). But you can most certainly power most grados sufficiently from any modern smartphone if again volume level is your primary concern in selecting gear.
Amazing review, I'm really interested in getting these or the HEMP. What are he main differences between both? Which ones are smoother on the ears? Thanks!
I appreciate your articulation do describe curtain aspects of the sound of the SR 325x.. I need as flat as possible.. For mixing. I hear how you edit your videos, pretty decen leveling and ducking of frequencies.. What headphones did you use to edit this video?. I am currently listening through sr-80, a very older model that has more definition than most heaphones I own that cost way more.. "Does warmth well, mid range well" As in good separation in these frequencies? These are the most important ranges in to me.
I was disppointed with the SR-325x. Still too bright and a bit flat/narrow sounding. Older Metal songs just hurt my ears. BUT everything changes with the Yaxi-Pads. It just sounds so right now. A bit darker than other Grados (RS2e), more bass but without losing the revealing clarity. Btw they are more comfortable. …Besides, I tried the stock F-pads on my SR60e (Alessandro S-1) - and it‘s also a mighty improvement soundwise. I owned a lot of cans but for me these are the best for Rock and Metal (but also for all other genres). If you own a SR60 or SR80 and the SR325x just swap the pads. But the Yaxis are even better.
Good review, I had the old SR-325 (very old first version, i think second version are e, and these are the third version?). I liked them but never tried a different headband, and always found them too heavy. Just wondered how you found the weight on your head (must have found them OK as you brought them). I like Grado's but just have a plastic cup model at the moment due to the weight of the metal ones, but if I come into some money may try some of the wooden ones.
I've been an avid Grado user since 2014 (SR80i -> SR225e)... My next pair will not be. I don't think I can handle another lifecycle of these crappy earpads, 360deg swivelling and cables, as much as I dearly love the sound and the reliability. It's a shame to see they're still not resolving any of those issues.
I lied, I bought some vintage RS-1s. Dunno what I was complaining about here or what I'd expect. They have one plastic injection machine, a stamping machine and a bunch of guys & gals in a room, that's it. They make great sounding products and that's what counts.
As I watch this video, I am wearing my 1997 Grado SR225 headphones. Back then the SR225 was $199. I just ordered the SR325x from Grado. I am very curious as to how the 25 year old SR225 compares to the new SR325x. I sure hope the cord has been figured out. Great review.
